As the nation begins gearing up for the 250th anniversary of American independence, one of Southern Oregon’s most recognizable destinations is preparing a celebration on a scale that is difficult to miss.
Later this summer, visitors walking into Seven Feathers Casino Resort in Canyonville will be greeted by a structure that stands nearly as tall as a two-story building. Rising 24 feet into the air and stretching 16 feet across, the Stars & Stripes Mega-Drop has been designed to become the centerpiece of a summer-long promotion that blends patriotic celebration with the excitement of prize giveaways and community entertainment.
The oversized pachinko-style game arrives as communities throughout Oregon and across the country begin finding their own ways to recognize America’s upcoming semiquincentennial, the 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While cities and organizations are planning parades, historical exhibits, and public celebrations, Seven Feathers is taking a different approach by creating an attraction intended to bring people together through a shared experience of fun, anticipation, and friendly competition.
Beginning June 22, guests will have opportunities to earn entries into the promotion. Weekly drawings are scheduled to begin July 11, with selected participants stepping up to the towering game board to watch an oversized puck make its unpredictable journey through the maze of pegs and obstacles below.
The concept is simple. The experience is anything but.
From the casino floor, the massive board is expected to dominate the room, turning each weekly drawing into a spectator event as guests gather to watch the outcome. Winners will have opportunities to claim cash prizes and free slot play throughout the summer, while anticipation builds toward the promotion’s final drawing on August 29.
That grand finale will offer participants a chance to win one of three new vehicles, including a GMC Sierra 2500 pickup, a GMC Acadia, and a Chevrolet Trax. Additional cash and free slot play prizes will also be awarded.
“This is one of the most ambitious and visually exciting promotions we’ve ever created,” said Harold Phillips, Director of Marketing at Seven Feathers. “The Stars & Stripes Mega-Drop combines the thrill of gaming promotions with a larger-than-life experience guests will remember all summer long. We wanted to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with something truly unique and entertaining.”
For many Southern Oregon residents, Seven Feathers has become more than a casino over the years. It has evolved into a regional gathering place where concerts, sporting events, community fundraisers, dining experiences, and entertainment regularly bring together visitors from Josephine, Jackson, Douglas, and surrounding counties.
The Mega-Drop promotion is expected to draw visitors from throughout the Pacific Northwest, but it is likely local residents who will see the attraction most often during its seven-week run. Resort officials anticipate the towering installation becoming one of the most photographed and talked-about features of the summer season.
As Oregon moves through another summer of festivals, fairs, and community celebrations, the Stars & Stripes Mega-Drop will add another stop to the calendar for those looking to participate in the excitement surrounding America’s historic birthday.
And while only a handful of participants will ultimately drive away with a new vehicle, thousands of visitors will have the opportunity to take part in a uniquely American summer tradition: gathering together, trying their luck, and enjoying the simple thrill of wondering what might happen next.